As with so many of its models through the years, racing prompted Porsche to develop the 911 GT2. The first generation, launched in 1995, was built to homologate components for international sports-car racing’s GT2 class, hence the car’s name. Based on the 911 Turbo, it featured a more powerful engine, rear-wheel drive and lower weight. The combination proved successful, with Le Mans class wins and a run of 200 road cars. A legend was born.

A successor followed in 2001. It was visually less flamboyant but more powerful and faster. Some 1300 were sold, leaving Porsche with little choice but to continue with the third-generation model launched at the Frankfurt motor show last month.